I have been able to attend four Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festivals up to this date January 1st, 2011. The festival is set to take place Saturday, January 8th, 2011. The next Saturday (Jan 15) is selected as a second day if weather prevents the first to occur.
The first year I became aware of the event, 2005, the festival was canceled due to weather conditions. Likewise the 2007 event failed to proceed on either of the two Saturdays in January that had been scheduled for the gathering. I found out about the festival from a poster on a pole.
But I, and many kite flyers, did get out on the lake in 2006.
To keep a kid’s attention, a melted marshmallow or two
Of course as the lake is frozen, skating may be in order,
or just walking with the dog, under kites, next to tykes.
A simple stroll, will do.
There were huge kites, with a puffed up Blue Meanie
and assorted friends,
Mr. Kite and the MN Kite Society were excellent hosts each of the years.
An earlier TC Daily Planet article with more images about the Winter Kite Festival for 2008.
The 2007 Winter Kite Festival was also unable to be held on either of the two dates. However Mr. Kite and many friends returned in 2008, and shared a line.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offered ice fishing lessons and lines to the youth, for free. I am fairly sure the fish were not threatened.
Even some teens were impressed.
The large kites were impressive as were their lines, and the anchors in the ice.
And many kids of all ages flew their more modest craft. The East Harriet Neighborhood Association supplied many of the volunteers and served up hot cocoa.
I captured more images of the services the neighborhood association and others groups assisting in 2009. The event is free and you should bring your kite (and camera), but inexpensive kites are available at the site.
The volunteers help in conducting free medallion hunts, and lead snowshoe excursions.
Much like the huge kites floating above, some immense horses made a profound presence as they pulled the free wagon ride.
It was interesting how the two horses maneuvered together; timed team work with such natural rhythms. The fish kept away from the chase just as naturally.
But, but, , the fish was too big to fit through the hole! As a blue fish shaped kite swam the wind just above heads.
The following year, 2010, a huge bear appeared, an outstandingly large bear with HUG ME on its chest.
The new mixed with the old, the huge with the bold, as kids danced with the bear.
Still Mr. Fish evades my bait, as lines are tussled, and kites towed.
The 2011 Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival is set for Saturday, January 8th. The next Saturday (Jan 15)is selected as a second day if weather prevents the first from occurring.
Thanks to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board; People for Parks; and the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council; East Harriet Neighborhood Association;and the MN Kite Society for their sponsorship.
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